Knowledge organizer on Surgery/Trench Warfare

Trenches provided relative protection against increasingly lethal

The demands of trench warfare, with its devastating artillery barrages, gas
attacks, and trench-related injuries, prompted medical professionals to
adapt and refine surgical techniques under challenging conditions. This is
explored here
Trench Warfare
weaponry. Soldiers dug in to defend themselves against shrapnel
and bullets. On the Western Front, trenches began as simple
ditches and evolved into complex networks stretching over 250
through France and Belgium.
They spent four to six days in the front trenches before moving
back to the reserve trench.
Trenches were frequently inundated with mud, especially during rainy

periods, making daily life extremely uncomfortable.

Trench warfare was a predominant
feature of World War I, especially on the
Western Front.
Trench systems stretched from the North
Sea to Switzerland.
Waterlogged trenches contributed to the spread of diseases like trench foot
•Front-line trenches were the closest and trench mouth.
to the enemy and faced the greatest
danger.
•These trenches were well-fortified
with sandbags and often had
parapets for added protection.

•Support trenches were located behind

Trenches were designed for protection
against enemy gunfire and artillery.
Front-line trenches were usually about 8
feet deep and 6 feet wide.
Three main types of trenches existed:
front-line, support, and reserve trenches.
Soldiers lived in challenging conditions,
facing mud, water, and vermin.
front-line trenches, offering backup and
reinforcement.
•Soldiers in support trenches provided
assistance to those on the front line and
were ready to reinforce during enemy
attacks.
•Reserve trenches were further back
from the front lines and served as a
secondary line of defence.
•Troops in reserve trenches rested and
regrouped, preparing for potential
rotations to the front line.
 Top Five Causes of injury: Top Five Causes of illness: Key WW1 Sources Medical progress

• Soldiers diaries • Mobile x-rays units

• • • Soldiers letters •
Shrapnel Trench foot Blood transfusions
• • • National newspaper •
Gunshots Influenza Thomas Splint
• • • War office statistics •
Gas Poisoning Pyrexia Brodie Helmet
• • • Local newspaper •
Fractured femur Scabies Care of amputees
• • Military maps • Plastic Surgery
ICT
• Photographs
• Admission and discharge
records
Surgery

The experiences of surgery in WWI left a legacy, influencing subsequent

Field hospitals and advanced medical stations were established near the front lines to
developments in military medicine.
provide immediate care for the wounded.
Lessons learned during this conflict contributed to the evolution of medical practices
These facilities were equipped with surgical teams, medical supplies, and
in future wars.
rudimentary operating theatres.
After World War I, surgical practices and medical advancements underwent further
The use of chemical weapons, such as chlorine and mustard gas, presented unique
development as the world sought to address the aftermath of the conflict The
challenges to medical professionals.
extensive injuries and disfigurements suffered by soldiers during the war led to a
Gas mask development became a critical aspect of protective measures for
focus on reconstructive surgery.
soldiers.Anesthesia techniques were refined during WWI, allowing for more
Surgeons developed techniques to repair facial injuries, amputations, and other
intricate surgical procedures. Operating under the constant threat of artillery
deformities caused by wartime injuries. The aftermath of the war highlighted the
bombardments added to the difficulty of performing surgeries.
importance of public health measures, including disease prevention and sanitation.
Efficient evacuation of the wounded to more established medical facilities further
Governments and health organizations invested in public health initiatives to
from the front lines was crucial for ongoing care.
improve overall community well-being.
Ambulance services and medical transport played a vital role in moving injured
soldiers to rear-area hospitals.